Finding Section 8 Rentals in Rhode Island:
According to The Poverty Institute, Rhode Island has a poverty level of more than eight percent for families. Fortunately, many families are able to make ends meet thanks to Section 8 housing vouchers. One of the challenges of this program is that many landlords do not understand how Section 8 functions. Another challenge is that many property owners are not comfortable with allowing an agency to inspect their property on a regular basis to ensure that it meets strict Section 8 rental guidelines. Fortunately, this is not the case for all landlords in Rhode Island; many landlords have discovered there are many advantages to accepting Section 8 housing vouchers. Renters may need guidance to help landlords understand the benefits of the Section 8 voucher program.

Promote the advantages:
Tenants who are holding a Rhode Island Section 8 voucher should be prepared to explain to potential landlords the benefits of the program. While some landlords may be distrustful of the Section 8 system, there are clear benefits to the program.

Regular payments:
Section 8 tenants must adhere to the program guidelines which includes paying their portion of the rent in order to continue to be part of the program. For most landlords, this means that the tenants portion of the rent as well as the Section 8 guaranteed portion can be depended on each month. Landlords must rent the property at a maximum value of what the Section 8 program allows. While this amount may be less than the typical rental amount, all or a portion of the rent will be guaranteed.

Low renter turnover:
Another advantage of the Section 8 program for landlords is low rental turnover. Most Section 8 tenants will remain in the same home for several years. In large part, this is due to the fact that there are landlords who do not wish to accept the vouchers, making it difficult to change residency. Both of these may be good selling points when meeting with potential landlords.

These are only a couple of the potential benefits for landlords who rent to tenants with Section 8 vouchers. Tenants may also be able to find landlords that are willing to accept Section 8 rental vouchers through various agencies that may provide these lists online, such as RentalAds.com. Due in large part to the high number of foreclosures that are taking place, it is easier than ever to find a good rental property. Tenants with Section 8 vouchers should be prepared to discuss the benefits of the program with potential Rhode Island landlords.